Danville Express

Newsfront - October 17, 2008

Danville going green, says mayor

Town Council researches green initiatives

by Geoff Gillette

Environmental awareness keeps growing in the U.S., and the Danville Town Council is no exception. Members of the council have begun looking into ways to make the town more "green" and reduce the amount of carbon emissions they put into the air.

Danville Mayor Candace Andersen addressed this issue at the recent Tri-Valley Mayors' Summit. She said that all cities in California are working on their emission levels, following the strictures put into place in Assembly Bill 32.

"AB32 is a statewide reduction in greenhouse emissions. We're supposed to be at 1990 levels by 2020. That's why we're talking about measuring our carbon footprint," she explained.

Andersen said there are some things they are already working on in town and others that remain on the drawing board for the moment. "We have taken steps on water conservation. We've implemented more drought tolerant plants."

Danville Town Council members are looking at the possibility of putting solar panels on the roofs of town buildings as well as the availability of the new technology for residents. "We are looking at how we can incorporate solar. Can we do anything to make it more feasible for our residents?"

A feasibility study is under way on the topic of solar energy. Andersen and Councilman Mike Shimansky are also working on a pilot program for the town that would reduce the amount of waste going into area landfills.

"The whole concept is aimed at reducing food waste through this new program," said Andersen. "If it works we'll be able to implement it through central Costa Contra County."

The council will also examine its building practices with an eye toward environmental protection.

Transportation is another area to come under review.

"We're trying to find more fuel efficient vehicles that pollute less for the fleet," Andersen said. "Hybrids are more expensive. That's what you have to balance ... the benefit to the environment vs. the cost."

Andersen said even without AB32, she feels confident that Danville would be examining this issue and working to reduce the town's emissions.

She said that ultimately it comes down to being good caretakers of the town.

"There are some people out there who say there really is no such thing as global warming," she said. "I don't think it matters what you think about global warming. We are the stewards of our community and we need to manage our resources effectively, do our part to make sure those resources are there for future generations."